Drugs On Review

Archive for the ‘Appetite Suppressant’ Category

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant used for weight reduction in obese patients in combination with reduced calorie diet. It is an amphetamine and phenethylamine whose mode of action is to manipulate neurotransmitters in the brain to control appetite. It is generally used in the short term while behavior modification occurs in the obese individual aimed at re-educating the natural appetite.

Phentermine acts in the hypothalamus, stimulating the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine. This puts the body in an alert state in which hunger is suppressed. The drug has the secondary effect of causing the release of epinephrine which cause adipose tissue to release stored fat.

What does Phentermine look like?

Phentermine is available in a wide range of proprietary and generic pills and capsules in strengths of either 30 or 37.5 mg.

Phentermine dosing and administration

The standard dosage of phentermine for weight loss is one daily dose of 15, 30 or 37.5 mg taken in the morning. If necessary for appetite control, your doctor may suggest taking half this dose twice a day, but this dosage schedule increases the likelihood of insomnia. Because the body develops tolerance to phentermine, it is not likely to be effective for more than a few weeks. It is also desirable to limit usage to a few weeks because of the potential for addiction.

Common adverse effects from Phentermine

Side effects observed in clinical studies of phentermine include insomnia, hyperactivity, restlessness, dizziness, euphoria, dysphoria, dry mouth, unpleasant taste sensations, diarrhea, constipation, changes in libido and erectile dysfunction. There are a number of more serious side effects which occur less frequently but which should be reported to your doctor without delay. The most important of these is primary pulmonary hypertension whose symptoms include edema, chest pain, fainting or dizziness, dyspnea and cyanosis. Other possible serious side effects are unusually extrovert or aggressive behavior and other unusual behavior, hallucinations, agitation, hypertension, tachycardia, palpitations, cravings for phentermine and allergic reactions.

Phentermine warnings and precautions

Phentermine was formerly sold in a combined formulation with fenfluramine known as “phen/fen” until this was shown to cause dangerous side effects, particularly heart valve problems and primary pulmonary hypertension. Although it subsequently appeared that these problems were largely caused by fenfluramine, it has not been conclusively demonstrated that phentermine was not involved. Because of this it is important to immediately report any warning sings of primary pulmonary hypertension including dyspnea, chest pain, fatigue, swollen ankles or cyanosis. Phentermine is chemically similar to amphetamines and taking it for a long period may lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms on ceasing treatment. Drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking phentermine.

Interactions with Phentermine

Phentermine may interact with a number of drugs including alcohol, insulin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, other weight loss drugs, sodium bicarbonate, tromethamine and tricyclic antidepressants including amitriptyline clomipramine imipramine, and protriptyline. You should inform your doctor if you have any history of glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, heart problems of any kind, agitation, abuse of substances including alcohol or any kind of allergy.